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Home My WebLink About03-03-1997 Park Commission Minutes (�RONO FARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 3, 1997 ATTENDAIYCE `I`he Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Vice Chair Susan Wilson and Commissioners Sherokee Ilse, Andrew l�7cDermott, and James White. Commissioner David Beal was absent. Representing Staff ��ere Public Services Director Greg Gappa, City Planner Elizabeth Van Zomeren and Recorder Sherry Frost. Chair Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:24 p.m. (#1}APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 3, 1997 Page 4, last paragraph, first sentence, was changed to "was difficult". Fage 5, first paragraph, noted a typographical error of the word "traffic". Pa�e 7, first paragraph, Wilson asked that the Bruce Dayton property be called, "Wood Rill". The sentence indicating the canstruction of a tunnel located it as being "under County Road 6". The second to last sentence was changed to read, "Wilson suggested the grading of a trail might coincide with the grading of the golf club." The third paragraph, first sentence was eliminated and second sentence ehanged to read, "Gappa said the area along Spring Eiill Road is steep and contains wetiands." The motion was changed to indicate the construction between the "2 SNAs, Wood Rill and Wolsfeld Woods...". i Ilse moved, hicDermatt seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Regular Park Commission Meeting of February 3, 1997, as ameruled. Vote: Ayes 4, l�tays 0. (#2)DISCUSSION OF PARK DEDICATIfJN FUND BALANCE, PLANNED CAPITAL, EXPENDITURES, AND REPORT ON OPERATING BUDGET F4R PARK iVlA(NTENANCE IN 1997 Gappa presented a Park Dedication Fund balance sheet with an expected balance of $127,466 on 12131I97. The balance reflects committed e�penditures. McDermott questioned why the demolition cost of the building at Antoine Park would be taken from the Park Dedication Fund. Gappa said the amount has not been budgeted elsewhere, and Moorse su�;gested the cost be from this fund. McDermott said he preferred the cost be placed in the budget under public works. Ilse questioned whether the cost could legally come from the Park Dedication Fund. Gappa said that it could. Wilson suggested that the cost be budgeted and reimbursed from operational funds next year. 1 �,INLTTES OF THE REGTJLA.R QRQNO PARK COM.MISSION MEETING HELD OI� MARCH 3, 1997 (#� -Park l�eciirati�n Fnnri - C'nntirniPtil . ---- — ---------- - ----- ------------. White aske�fer fi:rther clarifieati�r. or.the cost reir:�bursement by Hennepin C�unty Parks based on the previous cost share of 50/50 between the City and Caunty. White opined �hat once th�trail�a� cumpl�tzd to Baker Park, th� Ccunty would raimburse the City their share of t}�e costs as lon� as the tnaintenance was Uerformed bv the County. White �aid tlie Cc�utlty hac� a�pi-�ved �l�e ti-ail at�u �l�uugl7t ii was to�e buiit this sut7itne�-. VVliite wili f�li�w un t� determine the status of this a�reement_ McDertnett quest��ne�the trail cost shei�n on the budget. Cappa said the cost was �nly that which has been commrtted to. Wilson asked tor a full account of the trail costs past, p�esent, ar.d future tc en��le the Park Comrniss:or. to asses�the situation. VlThite �vas assigned to follow up. Cuppa said contracts v��ll '�e udv�rt�sed fa:hid this sp:ing from the City Offices ta CoF.d G. Wilson �aid she thou�ht the trail would be stoppin� at the teen center for further c�nlp,etion by the school. Gappa said Buffa�o Bitu�u��ous witl be installing the asphalt from Hwy 12 to the teen center where i� is currentty�ravel. NteDermott auestioned the area from Ht��T 12 to Wate:-to�:�r.. Gappa sai� a berm has been built. McD�rmott questioned whether thc bids should wait until the status repart is received an thc trails. ��i1SOi� said the trail l�,as alr�ady'�^c2i� CvtTii211ti2t�. Wii�oti asxeu tiiat ��e ti-aii u�riate l�e j�lacec� oii tiie A��`il agettaa_ Siie alsc� suggested ttYat the nre�entation to the('ounci) re�ardin�the undates at Ant�ine Park show the demoliti�n cost from the o�eratir.g budget. «�ilson said :t was im�ortant that the Council understands the condition of the Park Dedication Fund. Gappa said he v�ould obtain more detail regarding the costs and budget af the Park Dedication Fund, Wilson asked Gappa to express the Park Commissian's concern r�ga;d�,:�g �nanc�s ta �S��rs� �nd Kuehn. Gappa sh�sx�ed c�mpariser. costs f�r replacement of play bround equipmen+ at several parks, namely Bederwood and Crystal Bay, to the estimated cast for Antoine. It was ncted that the grading costs for the other parks did no� ccme fram the Park Dedication Fund, and the work has been perfarmed by City employees. The Cominissian felt tiie coi,i�ari-sc�n wuui� ►Yut r�fl�ct th�tru� costs inv�lv�d. � Gappa said Meorse:.�o�:ld �ike te see leng ran�e pl�ns frem the Park rommiss�on, especially in light of the decreasing funds a��ailable. MeDermott said the Park Master Plan Wili 1'��i2i,t �i7Giit12S Oti2i the r�e�.�t t�r years biit iS itvt y2t COTi1�3i2te�. The Commis�ioners n�ted the resYer_se sh��un by the Commissi�n t� neighb�rhood graups requesting upgrades at their parks. Wilson said the Cammisslon had felt the r�quest�d apg;ade� :ve:e fcund to be justified. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR �RONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 3, 1997 (#2 - Park Dedication Fund - Cantinued) McDermott indicated the poor conditions found at Navarre Park and asked that the Cammission respond with plans for improvement or sell the property. Ilse was concerned with the Commission responding ta the concerns expressed by the citizens, "the squeaky wheel" concept, as well as planning for park upgrades. White agreed that priorities need to be made but has seen a vast improvement in planning. Gappa questioned whether the costs for park up�rades are in line with what is proposed. McDermott suggested reviewin� costs paid by other cities as well. He would like to see upgrades done well at each park rather than many improvements partially done. Wilsan felt the subcommittee should address the costs and concerns at Antoine in comparison to ather park equipment upgrades. McDermott said he would not want to see the improvements scaled back. The Park Cammission expressed concern aver lack of knowledge regarding the financial situation of the Park Dedication Fund. The Commission would like a clear idea on how and where the costs are spent. Gappa will research past expenditures, and White will follow up. A report will be made in ApriL It was noted that the park survey reflected a willingness from the residents to assist in paying for park improvements. Van Zomeren passed out information on Park Dedication fees collected on previous subdivisions. This report was prepared in response to an objection by the Fullerton application regarding payment of Park Dedication Fund fees. Gappa noted that Minnetrista has a fee plan that also includes a cap. Van Zomeren suggested the Park Commission write a cover letter to submit to the Council reflecting their opinions regarding collection of Park Dedication fees. McDermott voiced concern that other applicants would contest their fees if the fee was not char�ed to this particular application. He asked that the Council be made aware of this concern. Gappa said he felt the Council also had this same concern. Wilson explained to Van Zomeren how the Commission has been reviewing the applications regarding recommendations for possible trails or Park Dedication fees. She asked that the Commission be able to review the applications in a manner that would be convenient tv the present application procedure system. Van Zomeren said the sketch plan review results in no action taken. If reviewed at this time by the Park Commission, tl3eir inp�xt could be included in the Planning Commission package for preliminary plan review. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORON� PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 3, 1997 (#2 - Park Dedication Fund - Continued) Wilson asked if the operational budget has been completed for 1997. Gappa said it is completed and does not reflect any costs for park maintenance outside of mowing and general salaries for clean u�. Wilson asked that the operatianal budget be researched to see what can be included in the parameters of that budget. She felt the parks have not been maintained to a satisfactory degree and would like to see some clarity regarding this issue. Gappa said he would like to place signs in the parks reflecting those that have been adopted to recognize the contributors. He asked that a list be compiled. Ilse clarified that the operating fund is not taken from the Park Dedication Fund. McDermott suggested the next budget reflect expenditures for park improvements. White suggested a special meeting be held with the Council ance the operating budget expenditures are determined to review budgeting for 1998. Wilson said the operating budget would be revisited in June. (#3) SPRll�1G HiLL GOLF CLUB UPDATE Gappa said the applicant is considering the trail as suggested by the Park Commission. The applicant is willing to work with the City regarding this issue. Gappa indicated that Medina has plans for a trail along Tamarack. Gappa noted that there is no bike trail shown along CoRd 6 north to Medina. Wilson said it is not on the bike trail map but would be a possible walking trail. Gappa said the Planning Commission is reviewing the application for the golf course at their March meeting and would most likely require a work session to discuss the various issues involved. The Park Commission is interested in a connection between the 2 SNA areas, Woad Rill and Wolsfeld. A walking trail could merge in and out of the bike trail if one is constructed. The trail could be a combination of both a walking and bike trail. Wilson said Flint had suggested an idea regarding closing East Long Lake Road and turning it into a walking/bike trail. This would result in no access from CoRd 6 to Hwy 12 in that area. McDerrrfatt asked if there was found to be any historical significance to the golf course property. Gappa said it was evaluated and found to be an old farmstead but had no significance. � MINUTES �F THE REGULAR OROND PARK COMMISSION MEETI7VG HELD ON MARCH 3, 1997 (#4) ANNUAL WORK PLAN FOR 1997 The Commissioners were asked for their ideas regarding a work plan for l 997. The ideas were compiled as follows_ • Bike trail completion to include along Watertown, Old Crystai Bay Road, and Baker Park - trail signage, installation of new signs, and correct problems with existing traiis • Lowry Woods access • I�ighway 12 representative appointment for park needs • Community liaison - sports recreation • Dickey property issues - site cleanup, neighbor's buildings on Ctty property, and site plan • Trails in Dickey�roperty • Master Plan completion to include monthly work assignments • Park Tour • Saga Hill • Tree preservation - Council is awaiting action by the Park Commission. McDermott was of the apinion that this issue should be generated out of the Planning Commission • Spring Hill trail • Open space recommendations, pursue acquisition of Navarre open space • Community piayfieid - pursue or drop the issue • Upgrade of Navarre Park • Systematic park maintenance and renovation plan • Add information to semi annual newsletter on parl� facilities • Comprehensive review of ice rinks . Friends of the Park Award • Long Tertn Funding • Review Dakata Rail far possible trail - suggested officiatly be adopted by City • Antoine Park • Adopt-a-Park - open space voluntary plan - review literature • Bederwood request for basketball court Wilson said the list will be priaritized and sub-committees formed. McDermott suggested the list be a 2-year plan and amended when needed. The Park Commissioners agreed with this idea. Ilse noted that the City of Long Lake has a representative on the Hwy 12 design committee. Gappa su�;gested a Park Commissioner be on the committee. He will speak with Moorse regarding City involvement. Ilse suggested actions items be separated from the work plan list and not be included on each month's agenda. Wilson said she would lay out the work pl�tn and include chan�es in the minutes. S MINUTES OF THE REGUL:4�R QRONO P?sRK COMNIISSION MEETP�1(i HELD ON MARCH 3, 1997 l#4 - 1997 Annt�al Wnrk Plan - C'qntini�Prll The?ist of�arks to visit far the Park Tour c��ill be discussed in April. Two suggestions were Spring HiLI Golf Course and Navarre Park. Gappa noted the:e l:as��en some ?evelopme:�t a�ti��ity an Saga Hill regarding�roperty to the northeast and the Sollner-Webb praperty. An access possibility has been suggested from the east ar,u across the northern portions of�aga Hill. Wi1_son inquired �bout the ice rinks. Gappa said there has been problem�with adequate water supply at a park. The parks with City water and water availabitity from a tire hy�rant have posed no problems. Wils�n suggested Ga�pa. speak with the ernployees �vho maintain the ice rinks to�ain their feedback. She asked Gappa to report back to the Cammissi�n r�garding this issue. (#5) DTSCUSSION OF pAI�K INVENTQRY '�'he Park Inventary was revierie�park by park. McI?ermott �i]] suhmit the corrections rlade to Staff. He will aiso be campilin� a list af recommendatioi�s for each park. A co�cern was �xpressed a�er the use af�he wording, "existing facilities". This category was c}ian�ed to "e�cistiri� structures and eauit�ment". 14�:,BErrr;ott noted tne paar quality �f ly'avarrE Pa;k. He �ndr;,ate�t�at if th� Commissian dec:ides ta eliminate this park, the lancl would revert back ta the Countv. Cappa was asked ta ga�her additiar�at information on t;�e Or�no Golf Caurse for completian of that nortion ineluding property size, te�al descrintion, characteristics, and amount of land used for golf. (#6) NEW BZ�SIl`�'E�S �Vilson asked t�at the Park Comr�iissioners be given an update� ii�t of phane numbers and addresses for its members once the vacancies are fiiled. I1se reparte� having attend�d ti;� coirunui�ity a�tivities ineetii�g. Tho� in attenda��ce reauested a conv af the Orono Park Inventory unon completion. Itse said the City of Inde�endence is re��iewing sites for base�all use. It had�een noted that the cornm�anit}.1 reflects a number of school districts. Ilse said a committee was formed, and made up of mainly s�orts or�anizat��n;eprzsentatives, to review the ►ssae a;hiring a person to overs�e �pc�rts activities. She su�gested a Park Comrnissioner v�lunteer t�be involved. W�lsen aske�that the committee be menitored Ilse said she had suaDested the property east of the Lee Carlson ballfields tor use as soccer fields but recei��ed na reaction. r, MP�IUTES OF THE REGULAR�RQ?�IO PARK COMMISSION MEETI:�TU HELD Ol�T M�RCH 3, 1997 (#6 NP�.y Rt]cinPgc - rqntin>>�cl) McDe:mott indicated he wauld be attending the meeting hPld by the Bi� Island Veterans Camp o;t March 24. ADJQURNMENT VVilsan moved, �'hite seconded, to adjourn at 10:03 p.m. Vate: Ayes 4, Nays 4. r G�C- Susan Wilson, Acting Chair �